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#1 |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Good Or Bad Idea
I Have Been Thinking About Putting A 4.3 V6 Out Of A Newer S10 Pu Or Blazer In To My 71 2wd Blazer. Just Wondering What Anybody Thinks About This.
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#2 |
I'm a poor spectator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Antonio, Tx
Posts: 2,287
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
If all you want is a cruiser go for it, but personally I wouldn't do it. Not enought power in stock form. They are good motors though.
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2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig ![]() 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! ![]() 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! ![]() 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!! |
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#3 |
Its lookin' like a Blazer!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gods Country, KY
Posts: 1,773
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
It'd be a different way to go. I'd think you mpg would be better than stock but maybe not better than a 5.3 or something like that. It should have enough power to move it ok. I have a 90 WT1500 that does just fine and will even pull a trailer. Gotta love this smiley
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#4 | |
Can't wait to retire!!
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Corunna, MI
Posts: 1,575
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
Is that not the coolest smiley?!
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![]() 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09 Last edited by Chevyman63; 03-22-2008 at 01:08 AM. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 762
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
I would think the smaller motor would use more gas because it has to work harder to pull the weight.
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#6 |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
All I Realy Want Is A Cruiser But I Dont Want It Be Way Under Powered.
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Central Vermont
Posts: 8,538
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
![]() IMO the best case scenario we can hope for in our blazers is pairing up the right drive-train components. Injection, over-drive and the right gearing will make ya happy. |
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#8 |
Oh..never mind....
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Oregon
Posts: 588
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
This was along the the same lines as my Pre-runner idea for fuel mileage. i guess we are all thinking about it now with todays prices. I also tossed the idea of the 4.3 , but when I mentioned the idea to my wife she asked if I was really willing to give up the power because she wasn't. I knew I married that woman for a reason.
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1972 Blazer -6 inch lift -35 inch BFG A/T's Turbo 350 NP-205 454 BB (for now) MORE TO COME !!!!!! Now going to 2WD!!!!! Sold. ![]() ![]() ![]() I got it back after 22 years and did not even know it !!! THE STORY HERE Project Low Down Dirty Rat Last edited by ABLAZN; 03-22-2008 at 08:16 PM. |
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#9 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
What about splitting the difference between the 5.3 and the 4.6 and use a 4.8 V8? Anybody tried this? My dad has one in his 2000 work truck and he pulls ALOT with it. He actually broke a rear spring from having it loaded to heavy. I think he still gets around 19 mpg with 150,000 miles on the truck. Just a thought...
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#10 |
The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,477
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
![]() This and maybe a gear change can make a huge differance in MPG ![]()
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Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
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#11 |
Just loves his truck.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cleburne, TX
Posts: 263
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
so find you a nice rebuild 307 or even a 327 with a 2barl carb maybe even fuel injected... idk its all about the budget... you should be able to get 20 out if it if you keep your foot out of it... and but a one of those 700/r4 transmissions in it... that should be a good combo
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![]() ![]() EAGLE SCOUT FTW!!! Last edited by stonewall618; 03-22-2008 at 02:28 AM. |
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#12 |
Just loves his truck.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cleburne, TX
Posts: 263
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
i have a 350 with a 2 barl carb and i get around 15 with a 3 speed transmission... if i got a 4 or 5 i could get up to 20...on the hwy.... wouldnt make much difference in the city.... the
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#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winters Ca. 95694
Posts: 4,843
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
our shop tried the 4.3's for light work trucks to save gas from the 350's and it did not work. The 4.3 is a great motor but you have to work them to get one of these full size trucks going and that eats gas fast. Find a 5.3L Vortec with AOD and it will make a great cruiser and you can squeez over 20mpg as well.
Kevin LFD Inc. |
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#14 | |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
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#15 | |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
Last edited by NTR72GMC; 03-22-2008 at 03:42 AM. |
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#16 |
Just loves his truck.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cleburne, TX
Posts: 263
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
if i was you i wouldnt go with the 4.3... they dont have enough power to pull/push 2 tons with out uesing a lot of gas... TRUST ME... i have had 3 blazer with 4.3s and they are only good when you have a light weight viehicle... i would go for the 323 they they are putting in the newer trucks these days paired with the right transmission they get around 20...maybe more... plenty of power when needed and you could probly get one out of a 99' and up 1500 out of a junk yard that still runs... just needs some work... and yes the 323 is the 5.3
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: PENDLETON,INDIANA
Posts: 271
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
ive sold plenty of both motors in newer trucks i would go 4.8 all the way
i think that is an all round good idea same or better mileage than a 4.3 six it just isnt there Last edited by DANTES JIMMY; 03-23-2008 at 03:54 AM. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: FOREST MS
Posts: 67
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
i have a 327 od 16-17 4.8 in newer trucks20mpg
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: az
Posts: 49
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
what tires are u running to get 20 mpg
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#20 |
2wd FTW!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SLC UTAH
Posts: 673
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
New idea!!!! Me and my old man where B.S.ing about what motor I'm going to run in the 2wd blazer and he suggested A 4.2 straight 6out of a trailblazer. Any opinion on this new idea is appreciated
Last edited by NTR72GMC; 07-03-2008 at 05:11 PM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cypress, Tx
Posts: 4,005
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
In my opinion only. I would stick with the original straight six, or a newer 5.3, 4.8, or even a regular old 350. If you get to far off the beaten path for installation of motors, then you will have major fab work involved, and a learning curve, which can get costly. I am not trying to nix your creativity, but I don't think the benefits of "possible" better fuel mileage outweigh the actual cost of installation of a out of norm engine. Don't forget about resale, you have to keep that in the back of your head. Personally I would stick with a good old mild 350. Cheap parts, decent gas mileage with an overdrive tranny, and dependable. Even though I really want to put a 5.3 in mine, and keep it fuel injected, the 2 mpg savings might take a while to payoff the extra expense of the fuel injected, computer controlled engine install. Just my opinion.
Shawn
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1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE |
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#22 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern AZ
Posts: 7,271
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Food for thought, buick GN and GNX'x get like 20= MPG and throw down some wicked power with a TURBO!? I know a car is more aero and lighter, but C'mon a turbo charged 6 banger!! I am going to do a tb'd L^ before I leave this earth. 5.3, 4.8, etc, etc are cool but they are $$$ upfront and don't really get you a ton of MPG. I'd say the V6 is way more plausible than the 4500I6 as there is no aftermarket support for the swap, so it'd be new territory. BTW GM sold a carb'd intake for the V6 and it is a 350 less two holes, so everything fits, get a 4-barrel carb'd intake and lumpity cam and it'll suprise you, add on a blowthrough turbo and now we are talking different??
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#24 | |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
I disagree about the price issue. I have a few local salvage yards around here that I visit pretty often. One of them has alot of salvaged trucks. They quoted me $900 for a running 5.3 with computer and all the pullys/accesories/wiring. I could even see it run and check the odometer before they pulled it from the wreck. A 4.8 was slightly cheaper simply due to supply/demand. I didn't think this was a bad deal beings that a decent longblock from GM parts is $2,000 + and far from complete. However, maybe pricing is different in other parts of the country. There would be some cost in "adapting" but I don't I think anything major other than wiring and engine mounts are required. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong...I was thinking about doing this swap in a swb truck someday. ![]()
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cypress, Tx
Posts: 4,005
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Re: Good Or Bad Idea
Quote:
Now for a 5.3, start with the fuel injection, then you need a fuel injection pump., special motor mounts, driveshaft, tranny (if you don't get one with it), and computer recalibration, and possibly a new wiring harness if you aren't handy with electrical, etc. It can add up very fast. As I said before it is a really cool thing, and I would love to do one, but they are much more costly than a regular old 350 build, even if you carb the 5.3 it is expensive. Ask shifty or hartrod how much they have in their builds and they will tell you they can get a little pricey. BTW Mike, I kinda dig the idea of a turboed 6 cylinder. Shawn
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1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE |
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